Trash Tutorial: What about those plastic six-ring beverage holders?

Saturday

Mar 22, 2014 at 12:01 AM

Q: Can we recycle the plastic six-ring holders for the canned beverage six-packs?— Regards, Tony Rafanelli A: The plastic rings do not qualify for curbside recycling because they are not a container. When...

By Sarah Kite

Q: Can we recycle the plastic six-ring holders for the canned beverage six-packs?

— Regards, Tony Rafanelli

A: The plastic rings do not qualify for curbside recycling because they are not a container. When we say “container” we mean products like yogurt containers, margarine tubs, deli containers, laundry detergent jugs, soda and water bottles, and shampoo bottles, just to name a few. Only these types of plastic containers that hold fewer than two gallons can be recycled in your curbside bin, cart, or at your local transfer station.

Some transfer stations and recycling centers have a separate collection area for non-container plastics, like lawn furniture or plastic bags.

Containers to keep out of your recycling would be anything that held automotive fluids, paint, hazardous materials, or containers that are made from a combination of materials like a Pringles chip canister.

Other plastics to keep out of curbside bins and carts are toys, plastic bags, and big bulky plastics, like five-gallon buckets.

When recycling eligible containers, they must be emptied first, then rinsed.

For all the details on what can and can’t be recycled in R.I., and to watch a video of our recycling facility, please visit RecycleTogetherRI.org.